Reflector/Feed Antenna Engineer - TeraWave

Application close date: Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.

At Blue Origin, we envision millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. We’re working to develop reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems within a culture of safety, collaboration, and inclusion. Join our team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight!

Blue Origin is pioneering the future of space-based communications with TeraWave, a revolutionary satellite communications network designed to deliver symmetrical data speeds of up to 6 Tbps anywhere on Earth. This multi-orbit constellation will consist of optically interconnected satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) and medium Earth orbit (MEO), providing enterprise-grade connectivity for critical operations worldwide.

We are seeking an Antenna Engineer III to design, develop, and optimize high-frequency reflector antenna systems for next-generation space communications platforms. In this role, you will contribute to the development of mission-critical antenna architectures enabling high-capacity communications across deep-space, GEO, MEO, and LEO networks.

You will work at the intersection of electromagnetics, RF engineering, mechanical design, and aerospace systems, developing high-performance antenna solutions that deliver exceptional gain, efficiency, and reliability in demanding space environments.

Core Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Design and develop high-gain reflector antenna systems, including Cassegrain, Gregorian, and offset-fed architectures, to meet stringent gain, beamwidth, sidelobe, and polarization requirements at E-band frequencies.

• Design and optimize mm-Wave feed systems, including corrugated horns, orthomode transducers (OMTs), diplexers, and dual-circularly polarized feed chains supporting 71-76 GHz downlink and 81-86 GHz uplink operation.

• Perform electromagnetic modeling and simulation using physical optics, geometrical theory of diffraction, and full-wave analysis tools to optimize aperture efficiency, illumination taper, spillover performance, and antenna gain.

• Conduct mechanical, thermal, and RF sensitivity analyses to evaluate the effects of surface RMS error, feed misalignment, structural deformation, and thermal distortion on overall antenna performance.

• Collaborate with mechanical, thermal, manufacturing, and systems engineering teams to select materials, fabrication processes, and structural architectures that preserve RF performance throughout launch and space operations.

• Develop antenna verification plans and support laboratory and anechoic chamber testing, including gain, pattern, polarization purity, axial ratio, isolation, and near-field/far-field characterization.

• Support hardware development from initial concept through fabrication, integration, qualification, and flight readiness while coordinating with external vendors and manufacturing partners.

• Contribute to system-level architecture trade studies and communications link budget analysis to ensure antenna designs satisfy mission requirements and network performance objectives.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field.

• 5+ years of professional experience in antenna, RF, microwave, or electromagnetic systems engineering.

• Experience designing, analyzing, and testing reflector antenna systems and associated feed architectures.

• Proficiency with electromagnetic simulation tools such as HFSS, CST, or TICRA GRASP.

• Strong understanding of antenna theory, electromagnetics, polarization, and RF measurement techniques.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering with a focus on antennas, electromagnetics, or microwave engineering.

• Experience with mm-Wave or E-band antenna systems.

• Experience designing feed components such as corrugated horns, OMTs, polarizers, or waveguide structures.

• Familiarity with antenna testing in an anechoic chamber environment, including near-field and far-field measurements.

• Experience developing hardware for aerospace, satellite communications, or other high-reliability systems.

Base Pay Range for: CA applicants is $164,652.00 - $230,512.80 WA applicants is $164,652.00 - $230,512.80

Other site ranges may differ

Culture Statement

Don’t meet all desired requirements? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single desired qualification. At Blue Origin, we are dedicated to building an authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every desired qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Export Control Regulations

Applicants for employment at Blue Origin must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e. current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Background Check

• Required for all positions: Blue’s Standard Background Check

• Required for Certain Job Profiles: Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires one to be on a military installation

• Required for Certain Job Profiles: Drivers who operate Commercial Motor Vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or combination of power unit and trailer that meets or exceeds 10,001 lbs. and/or transports placardable amounts of hazardous materials by ground in any vehicle on a public road while in commerce, may be subject to additional Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations including: Driver Qualification Files, Medical Certification (obtained before onboarding), Road Test, Hours of Service, Drug and Alcohol Testing, vehicle inspection requirements, CDL requirements (if applicable) and hazardous materials transportation/shipping training.

• Required for certain Job Profiles: Ability to obtain and maintain Merchant Mariner Credential, which includes pre-employment and random drug testing as well as DOT physical

Benefits

• Benefits include: Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability, 401(k) with a company match of up to 5%, and an Education Support Program.

• Stock Options for all regular employees (working at least 20 hours/week)

• Paid Time Off: Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays.

• Dependent on role type and job level, employees may be eligible for benefits and bonuses based on the company's intent to reward individual contributions and enable them to share in the company's results, or other factors at the company's sole discretion. Bonus amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed and subject to change and cancellation. Please check with your recruiter for more details.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Blue Origin is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing a highly qualified and dedicated work force. Blue Origin hires and promotes people on the basis of their qualifications, performance, and abilities. We support the establishment and maintenance of a workplace that fosters trust, equality, and teamwork. We provide all qualified applicants for employment and employees with equal opportunities for hire, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment, regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local law. Blue Origin will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Washington Fair Chance Act, the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles Fair Chance in Hiring Ordinance, and other applicable laws. For more information on “Know Your Rights,” please see here.

Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation

Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin’s Affirmative Action Plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact us at EEOCompliance@blueorigin.com. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.